Final Island Escape: Redang

A week before we left Malaysia, we drove across the peninsula one last time to spend a long weekend on the east coast tropical island of Redang. Leaving early in the morning, we were well prepared for the 6.5 hour drive (with loaded ipads and packed breakfast and lunch). Upon arrival, we were greeted at Merang jetty by the Taaras representative, who helped us board the correct speedboat. A fast, 40-minute ride later, we arrived on the island and were then transferred by van to the secluded and lovely Taaras Beach and Spa Resort.

Occupying its own private bay on the back side of the island, we couldn't see another resort or property anywhere! Swaying palm trees, pristine clear waters, and silky fine, white sand greeted us, and our two Cliff Sea View rooms offered ample space to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in luxurious style. Each room was equipted with modern amenities, a private patio, and even a spa bathtub overlooking the ocean!

We enjoyed three relaxing days in this secluded island paradise. Other than sipping cocktails, building sand castles, and soaking up the sun with a good book, we rented snorkeling gear each day and took a short swim to the house coral reef to watch the colorful fish and marvel at the technicolor corals. We also had fun diving off the floating platform near the reef. =) We rented kayaks for a trip around the bay and played on the rocks near the shore, and my son enjoyed playing on a body board despite there being little to no surf.

When it was time to eat, the resort had some yummy options available. Each morning we enjoyed the breakfast buffet, for lunches we ate at the poolside beach bar/cafe, and for dinners, we tried the dinner buffet, the fine dining restaurant, and the comforts of room service. We didn't take advantage of the onsite gym or spa facilities, but I'm sure they were amazing. Other resort activities offered include PADI diving courses, snorkeling and/or diving excursions, a glass-bottom boat to view the sea turtles, additional water sports, jungle treking, and sunset cruises. For the safety of all guests, life vests are provided free of charge.

I would definitely recommend this resort for anyone looking for a splurge. The Taaras was a true paradise, a wonderful way to bid "selamat tinggal" to our four years in cantik Malaysia!

Warrior Bootcamp Penang: Promoting Fitness for Life!

I would like to thank Warrior Bootcamp and all of its coaches for encouraging me over the past two years and helping me meet my fitness goals. I am definitely “fitter, faster, tougher, stronger” than when I started, and I plan to continue pursuing a healthy lifestyle back in Texas!

Warrior Bootcamp can proudly boast many satisfied customers, largely due to the wonderful coaches that lead the sessions. Each coach is very fit themselves, shows up prepared and on time, and is a skilled motivator, encouraging participants to work hard and never give up. (I always run a little faster when I pass one of them!) All have had training in injury prevention and CPR, and some specialize in sports medicine and nutrition. Safety is top priority: participants are encouraged to use proper form when doing exercises, and rest/recovery periods are built in to each workout. Coaches also regularly share advice on topics related to overall health, such as sleep, proper diet, and mental resilience. Additionally, they offer regular fitness assessments to record each individual's progress. It’s fun to challenge myself to do a little better each time!

Being a Warrior, I’ve accomplished things I never thought I’d do. I ran my first 10km (and a 12km a month later!), fought hard and had fun in the Warrior Games, participated in the Round Island relay, carried 5kg in a rucksack up Pearl Hill, and even achieved Warrior of the Month! My fitness has drastically improved over the past two years; I’ve lost 4-5 kg, significantly reduced my body fat %, and am as fit as I’ve ever been as an adult. I sleep well at night, feel energetic and healthy, am more mentally tough and resilient, and am motivated to continue a lifestyle of proper diet, sleep, and exercise.

Of course, I’ve had a lot of fun as well! I've met people from all over the world, and there’s nothing that unites like sweating along with someone else in the hot sun! Whatever fitness level, members encourage others in their progress and receive encouragement to keep going and never give up. We enjoy a variety of games, are playfully competitive, work as a team to win relays, and sometimes get dirty. One of my favorite sessions involved rolling through the mud in the rain!

Bootcamp Penang is united as a team by the spirit of fitness and fun, and the color red. I am always proud to stretch out my hand at the end of each session, declaring and believing I really am a "Warrior!"

Transitions

After four amazing years on a tropical island, the Dewhirsts are pulling up roots once more and planting our family back in Texas. Moving across the world for the second time is a whirlwind, but an exciting one!

Recaping our last weeks in Penang, we spent as much time as possible getting together with friends. We will certainly miss everyone we have gotten to know and love! In the midst of wrapping up work and school, sorting thru an entire house, and getting rid of piles of unwanted items, we also enjoyed a last weekend away on the east coast island of Redang. Following that was a very chaotic week full of sorting, moving out, cleaning, two nights at the G Hotel, and more goodbyes. We left Penang (and a bit of our hearts) on July 14th.

Over the next 9 days, we enjoyed an interim "retreat" in Germany (blog to come), finally arriving in the USA two weeks ago. From there, we hit the ground running, leaving two days later (without the kids) for a 3-night trip to Austin. In that short time, we looked at 18 houses, made an offer on the best one, and got it accepted!! (The kids were excited to learn that it has a salt-water pool. =) ) Then, back to Dallas for more family time over the July 4th holidays. (We also bought two cars that week!)

We returned to Austin as a family on July 6th, settled in to our service apartment, and Adam returned to work the next day. I quickly conquered mountains of laundry, stocked my pantry, and cooked my first meal in an entire month! Now we're just enjoying the summer with not much to do until we close on our house at the end of July. =)

I am looking forward to things slowing down as soon as we get settled in our new home. We can then take full advantage of the things we've missed here in Texas, such as the cool fall weather, bike rides and hiking in the greenbelt, and holidays spent with family. I'm already excited about hosting Thanksgiving!

Greetings and best wishes to all my friends, near and far away. I will stay in touch!